Checking illegal construction using imagery

India: In a bid to check illegal constructions which could have taken place in the past few years, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has initiated a two weeks time-bound inquiry which apart from conventional methods will make use of satellite imaging to know the facts.

“Altaf Ahmad GIS Personnel shall work out the details with regard to scientific evidence through remote sensing of the above built up areas for the period July 2011, July 2012 July 2013 and July 2014. This evidence shall be used by the above committee for completion of the enquiry,” the order reads.

It is for the first time that the SMC is roping in expertise of GIS professionals to verify the ground reality about illegal constructions.

The high level committee will not only spot the illegal constructions but also identify the officials responsible for the mess. The inquiry committee shall be headed by the Joint Commissioner Planning as its Chairman. The other members include: Secretary, Chief Enforcement Officer and Divisional Town Planner.